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The majority of personal and group health insurance policies do not provide coverage for medical treatment outside the United States. Neither Medicare nor Medicaid offer protection when U.S. citizens travel abroad. The U.S. State Department recommends that international travelers purchase comprehensive travel health insurance plans to cover the cost of medical treatment outside the country. A medical evacuation insurance policy will provide funding for transportation to a U.S. facility if necessary, along with repatriation of your remains in the event of death.

International Travel Medical Insurance

Some countries require proof of international medical insurance as a condition of admission. If your personal or employer health insurance does not provide coverage outside the United States, you can purchase a short-term policy for each trip. The insurer will base your premium on the duration of coverage. If you travel frequently, you may save money by purchasing an annual policy, according to Smarter Travel. These policies can range in price from less than $200 to more than $700 annually. Use the Smarter Travel links (see Resources) to comparison shop at insurance quote clearinghouse sites to find the coverage and company that meets your needs and budget.

Student Travel Health Insurance

Students who wish to travel abroad for a semester or summer study will find that neither their college's health insurance nor their family's health insurance plan provides adequate medical coverage while overseas. Organized study abroad programs for students usually offer coverage at a nominal fee for the duration of the trip. Government-sponsored exchange programs, such as the Fulbright, normally provide some limited medical coverage. These plans do not cover preventive care and some exams. The Institute for International Education recommends that American students traveling abroad for extended trips and Fulbright scholars obtain additional insurance to cover medical care in foreign locations.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

A serious illness or accident overseas could require medical treatment that is beyond the capacity of a foreign medical system, especially in developing countries. Medical evacuation insurance provides assurance that you can get necessary treatment in the closest available U.S. medical facility. Some medical evacuation plans also provide funds for a caregiver or family member to travel to your location in a foreign country and accompany you during your evacuation and transfer to a U.S. facility. This feature can be very important if you are debilitated and unable to make heath care decisions due to illness or accident. Medevac plans can also cover the cost of transportation of your remains if you die overseas, saving your loved ones as much as $10,000. Frequent travelers can benefit from purchasing an annual plan, rather than buying coverage for each trip. The State Department's website has links to reputable companies that offer medevac coverage.

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About the Author

Carol Luther has more than 25 years of business, technology, and freelance writing experience. She has held leadership roles in higher education management, international development, adult education, vocational education, and small business support programs

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.